Education
Protests break out as Muslim girls wearing hijab are barred from schools (Photos)
Muslim girls are being barred from schools in some parts of India over the use of hijab.
In January, six Muslim students at Udupi college, a government-run women’s college in Udupi district in India’s Karnataka state, were prevented from entering their classes by the school authority which said hijab is not part of its uniform.
The hijab row has since escalated and spread to other districts of Karnataka with more schools implementing the ban.
Pictures and videos of students in hijab being turned back from schools have gone viral on social media.
The students, who were seen protesting outside their school gates, accused the school authorities of “tampering with and destroying their future”.
The school authorities said the directive was from the government.
According to AP, hundreds of students and their parents, took to the streets yesterday to protest against the restrictions and demand that students be allowed to attend classes even if they are wearing hijab.
As a counter-protest, Hindu boys of Shivammoga and Udupi districts were seen, in a viral video, wearing saffron scarves around their necks to college, and protesting the entry of hijab-clad girls in schools.
Following the protests, the state government backed its directive with section 133(2) of the Karnataka education act 1983, saying the ban on wearing hijab to schools is not a violation of the fundamental right to religious freedom.
“Clothes which disturb equality, integrity and public law and order should not be worn,” the government said.
The government said the students will have to wear the dress chosen by the college development committee or the appellate committee of the administrative board of pre-university colleges which come under the pre-university education department.
Also commenting on the development in a statement, Araga Jnanendra, Karnataka home minister, said religion should be “kept away from education and students should neither come wearing hijab or saffron shawls to schools”.
The minister also said no one should come to school to practice their religion as this is where all students should learn together with a feeling of oneness.
STUDENT FILES SUIT AGAINST DIRECTIVE ON HIJAB
One of the six Muslim students who were barred from Pre-University College in Udupi over hijab use has filed a petition at Karnataka high court (HC) challenging the decision of the school.
In the petition, the student argued that wearing hijab is a fundamental right guaranteed under the country’s constitution, and “is essential for practising her religion”.
The petitioner argued that the college’s decision not to allow her attend classes for wearing hijab creates a stigma among her batch mates and other students in the college and that “such stigma will affect the mental health of the six students”.
Education
Governor Abba Yusuf donates N2m to islamic school
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has donated N2 million to Mu’assasatu Balarabe Bello Hamza Islamic School, located on Sokoto Road in the state capital.
The donation was announced during the Qur’anic graduation ceremony of 13 students held on Sunday at the school premises.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Makoda, the governor highlighted the significance of learning the Holy Qur’an and applying its teachings in daily life.
He congratulated the graduating students, their parents, and teachers on the milestone and encouraged them to expand their knowledge beyond religious studies.
A press statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment at Kano Government House, Usman Gwadabe, revealed that certificates were presented to the 13 graduates during the event.
Speaking at the occasion, the Head Teacher, Mallam Jamilu Yusha’u, stated, “The school was named after the late Balarabe Bello Hamza, who established the school for special extra lessons for children during the holidays.”
However, he prayed to the Almighty Allah to forgive him and reward him for the good work he did for the benefit of humanity.
In his remarks, the Director-General of Protocol, Kano Government House, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the parents and the school authorities appreciated Yusuf’s good gesture for the “donations and for his administration’s readiness toward improving the educational sector in the state.”
Education
UNIOSUN mandates new students to apply for student loan
The Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, has mandated the institution’s fresh students to apply for Federal Government student loan anchored by the National Education Loan Fund, NELFUND.
This is as he disclosed that the university could only admit 11,000 students out of the 30,000 that applied for the 2024 academic session.
Speaking at the 18th Matriculation ceremony held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium at the main campus in Osogbo on Friday, he assured the newly admitted students of the timely completion of their courses of study.
He disclosed that the FG loan scheme would make learning easy for the new students due to the ongoing economic crisis in the country; hence, new students must apply for the loan.
His words, “I must also seize this opportunity to announce to you the opportunity for student loans provided by the Federal Government through NELFUND. As this is an intervention to cushion the effect of economic hardship on students, the management of this institution has decided that every new student must apply and access it to further make student life easy for you”.
He charged the newly admitted students to work tirelessly to achieve academic progression, saying they are among the few lucky ones to gain admission.
“It will interest you all to note that well over 30,000 candidates applied for admission into the university this year. Of this lot, we are only able to admit 11,000 (approximately one-third) into the various academic programmes across colleges and campuses. Though this means you are among the very lucky few admitted, it also shows you have all it takes to be undergraduates in any Nigerian university.
“But then, you all have to note for your all-time guidance that it is not everyone that starts any race that usually completes the race. The race in this context is competence building and knowledge acquisition, which come with regular lectures, assignments, tests, examinations, and character moulding all through your residency here.
“In this esteemed institution, we uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and moral uprightness. Social vices such as examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and truancy are strongly condemned,” he added.
Education
Outrage as students reject renaming of UniAbuja after Yakubu Gowon
Students of the University of Abuja have vehemently opposed the Federal Government’s decision to rename their institution after former military leader Yakubu Gowon.
The announcement, approved by the Federal Executive Council on Monday, December 16, has sparked widespread protests.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed the council’s resolution following its final 2024 meeting at Aso Rock Villa. However, students and alumni immediately reacted with anger.
On Thursday, December 19, students rallied at the university’s main gate, holding placards with messages such as “The voice of men is the voice of God,” “We stand for UniAbuja,” and “Solve hunger problems, not renaming UniAbuja.”
Comrade Nkem Silas, President of the Students Union Government (SUG), urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the decision.
“Renaming the university can have psychological effects on students. We will formally express our concerns to the Federal Ministry of Education through the Vice Chancellor,” Silas said.
Prof Jeremiah Vambe, an alumnus and lecturer in the Department of Public Administration, also criticised the move.
“Renaming the university involves economic, legal, and psychological costs. The law establishing the University of Abuja must be amended to accommodate this change,” Vambe explained.
Comrade Adamu Abdulbasit, President of the Abuja Indigenous Students Association (AISA), proposed an alternative.
“Instead of renaming UniAbuja, the Federal Government should complete the abandoned University of Science & Technology in Abaji and name it after Ladi Kwali University, Abuja,” Abdulbasit suggested.
The protests highlight the growing discontent among students and stakeholders, who see the renaming as threatening the university’s identity and legacy.
Calls for a reversal are gaining momentum as the controversy unfolds.
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